Systems and methods for providing a transaction card package assembly including sample product or service

ABSTRACT

A transaction card package assembly comprising at least one transaction card, at least one sample product, and a card holder, and methods and system for processing the same.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S.Provisional Patent Application Nos. 61/473,264 filed Apr. 8, 2011 and61/495,800 filed Jun. 10, 2011, both entitled “Systems And Methods ForProviding A Transaction Card Package Assembly Including Sample ProductOr Service,” the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein byreference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to package assemblies, methods,and systems for transaction cards, for example, gift cards, debit cards,credit cards, and the like, that include a sample product.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The market for transaction cards such as merchant gift cards continuesto grow. Such cards may be displayed by a vendor in a retail store forpurchase by a consumer. Typically, transaction card displays areprominently placed in areas of high consumer traffic. This visibilityand increasing popularity among consumers offers merchants an avenue topromote additional products or services. One such method of promotion isto include at least one sample with at least one transaction cardavailable for purchase.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Disclosed herein is a transaction card package assembly that includes asample product. In one embodiment, a transaction card package assemblycomprising a card holder, a transaction card, and a sample product. Inanother embodiment, a transaction card package assembly comprising acard holder, one or more transaction cards, and a sample product.

Also disclosed herein is a computer implemented method and system forprocessing transaction card package assemblies that include sampleproducts. In an embodiment, a transaction card package assemblyprocessor receives a request from a point of sale terminal requestingcorrelation of a transaction card package assembly and a sample product.The transaction card package assembly processor compares informationconveyed in the request with information stored in a transaction cardpackage assembly datastore to determine if the transaction card packageassembly and sample are eligible for correlation. When eligibility isdetermined, the transaction card package assembly processor correlatesthe transaction card package assembly with the sample, updates thedatastore to reflect the correlation and transmits a response to thepoint of sale terminal.

In another embodiment, a transaction card package assembly processorreceives a transaction request from a point of sale terminal requestingactivation of one or more transaction cards that are attached/coupled toa transaction card package assembly comprising a correlated sample;alternatively, requesting deactivation; alternatively, requestingredemption. The transaction card package assembly processor forwards themessage to the transaction card package assembly issuer's authorizationsystem and receives a response. The processor transmits the response tothe point of sale terminal. Additionally, the processor identifiesaccounts associated with the transaction card package assembly and thecorrelated sample in a datastore and records the transaction informationin the associated datastore accounts.

In another embodiment, a transaction card package assembly processorreceives a data request from an associated entity. The processoridentifies and retrieves the requested data and forwards the requesteddata to the requesting entity. Examples of associated entities include,but are not limited to, transaction card package assembly issuers,sample issuers, transaction card package assembly vendors andtransaction card package assembly merchants.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the nature of the features of theinvention, reference should be made to the following detaileddescription taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, inwhich:

FIGS. 1-4 show various front view embodiments of a transaction cardpackage assembly comprising a card holder, one transaction card and asample.

FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of a transaction card package assemblycomprising a card holder, multiple transaction cards, and a sample.

FIGS. 6A and 7A show various front view embodiments of a transactioncard package assembly comprising a card holder, one transaction card anda sample, and FIGS. 6B and 7B show various rear view embodiments of atransaction card package assembly comprising a card holder, onetransaction card and a sample.

FIG. 8A shows a front view embodiment of a transaction card packageassembly comprising a card holder, one transaction card, a sample and apanel, and FIG. 8B shows a rear view embodiment of a transaction cardpackage assembly comprising a card holder, one transaction card, asample and a panel.

FIG. 9A shows a rear view embodiment of a transaction card packageassembly comprising a card holder, multiple transaction cards, a sampleand a panel, and FIG. 9B shows a rear view embodiment of a transactioncard package assembly comprising a card holder, multiple transactioncards and a sample.

FIG. 10 is a schematic representation of a transaction card packageassembly processing system.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart depicting an exemplary process utilized by atransaction card package assembly processing computer for correlating atransaction card package assembly with a sample.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart depicting an exemplary process utilized by atransaction card package assembly processing computer for activating,redeeming or deactivating a transaction card package assembly.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart depicting an exemplary method utilized by atransaction card package assembly processing computer for providing datato a requesting entity

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As used herein, transaction card refers to a card that may be used totransact business with a party willing to accept the card, for example,as tender for a purchase. Examples of such cards include credit cards,debit cards, gift cards, telephone cards, loyalty cards, membershipcards, ticket cards, entertainment cards, sports cards, prepaid cards,and the like. Typically, such cards are wallet-sized and made ofplastic. In various embodiments, the transaction card may be a type ofcard such as a gift or prepaid card that requires activation at a pointof sale. In various embodiments, the transaction card may betransferable. For example, a transaction card may be purchased andactivated at a point of sale by a consumer and subsequently used by theconsumer or another (e.g., the recipient of the card as a gift) totransact business.

Consumer use of transaction cards typically involves a card vendor, aredeeming merchant, and a card issuer. In various embodiments, the cardvendor, redeeming merchant and card issuer may be the same, different,or related entities. The point of sale where transaction cards arepurchased and activated may be referred to as the card vendor or simplyvendor. An entity that will accept a transaction card for businesstransactions, i.e., as tender for a purchase, may be referred to as aredeeming merchant. An entity that provides the financial backing and/orpayment processing accessed via the transaction card may be referred toas the card issuer or simply issuer.

Typically, the issuer is identified on the transaction card andassociates a unique issuer account code with each stored value card.Card issuers include direct issuers of cards such as store-brandedcards, and in some embodiments the card vendor may also be the cardissuer and/or the redeeming merchant. Card issuers also include banks,financial institutions, and transaction processors such as VISA,Mastercard, American Express, etc., and cards issued by suchinstitutions may be readily accepted by a number of redeeming merchantsto conduct transactions such as purchases. In some instances, theredeeming merchant may be identified on the transaction card (forexample, a retailer branded card such as Store X), and such cards may besold at the same or different card vendor (e.g., card vendor is Store Xor a different or unrelated Store Z). In such instances, the Store Xbranded transaction card may be issued by Store X, by Store Z, or by athird party such as bank or financial institution.

As used herein, sample refers to at least one product or at least onecoupon for a product or service that is distributed at no cost to aconsumer, e.g., a gift with the purchase of a transaction card. Forexample, when a sample is coupled with a transaction card, a consumerpays only the value of the transaction card, but receives in return boththe transaction card and the sample. In general, samples are intendedfor use as a trial of a product or service, specifically to introduceand garner interest in a product or service that is available forpurchase. In an embodiment wherein the sample is a product, the samplemay a small portion of a product that is commercially available inlarger portions. In another embodiment, a sample may be a product thatis the same size as a product that is commercially available. Suchsample products may be consumable. Alternatively, such sample productsmay be non-consumable. Such sample products may be ingestible (e.g.,food products). Alternatively, such sample products may benon-ingestible. Exemplar sample products may comprise one or more of thefollowing: a crayon; a measuring tape; a small tool; a miniature,facsimile, or scale model of a larger product or item; a cosmeticproduct; a food product; or candy. In an embodiment, the sample productmay be a household item such as a cleaning product (e.g., detergent,etc.) and/or a health and beauty aid such as shampoo, conditioner, soap,toothpaste, dental floss, mouthwash, cosmetic, over the countermedication, etc. In an embodiment, the sample product comprises a drymaterial that may be contacted with a liquid (e.g., water) to produce aconsumable beverage (e.g., a drink mix) such as lemonade mix, cocoa mix,instant coffee, regular (brewable) coffee, coffee beans, etc. In anotherembodiment, samples may be coupons for the purchase of or discount on aproduct. Alternatively, samples may be coupons for the purchase of ordiscount on a service such as, for example, medical or personal care,homecare, auto or other machine repairs, travel, entertainment, internetaccess or telecommunications access, or the like. In an embodiment, thesample is a trial, limited, or restricted membership or access to asubscription service such as telephone (e.g., wired or wireless), TV(e.g., cable, satellite, etc., including content subscriptions such aspay per view, premium channels or bundles, etc.), Internet service,website access such as social media services and groups, proprietary orpremium website content, downloadable content (e.g., downloadable music,software, movies, TV shows, etc.). In an embodiment, the sample productis coffee contained within a sample package comprising a plastic filmtube crimped (e.g., heat crimped) closed at each end.

Unless otherwise specified, use of the terms “coupled with,” and/or“coupled together” shall be construed as components packaged together.Components, e.g., at least one transaction card and at least one sample,may be coupled together in any suitable way for the purposes of thisinvention. One non-limiting example is coupling together by releasableattachment of the at least one transaction card and the at least onesample to a common card holder, i.e., releasable attachment by adhesivesuch as fugitive glue, rubberized glue or cement, hook and loopfastener, clips, rivets, snap and break connections, perforations, orco-molded units with weakened/detachable seam lines, and/or anycombination thereof. Another non-limiting example is coupling togetherby inclusion of the at least one transaction card and the at least onesample within a common pocket- or envelope-style card holder. A furthernon-limiting example is the at least one transaction card and the atleast one sample coupled together in any combination of releasableattachment to and/or containment within a card holder. The releasableattachment and/or containment may be a one-time coupling (e.g. notconfigured to be reattached once removed) or may be configured formultiple release and reattachment. In an embodiment, the at least onetransaction card and the at least one sample are shrink-wrapped togetherwithin and/or affixed to a card holder such as a cardboard backer orhanger. In an embodiment, the at least one transaction card and the atleast one sample are held within and/or affixed to a card holder such asa cardboard backer or hanger by a clamshell outer packaging component.Preferably, the at least one transaction card and the at least onesample are held within and/or affixed to a card holder via a see-throughor transparent outer layer.

In embodiments such as those shown in FIGS. 1-9, transaction cardpackage assembly 60 comprises at least one transaction card 10 and atleast one sample 30 attached/coupled to and/or disposed/held within cardholder 20. In an embodiment, all or part of transaction card packageassembly 60 may be covered in a clear plastic, such as, for example, alaminate, shrink wrap, or a hard plastic case, i.e., a clamshell. As canbe seen in FIGS. 1-9, in an embodiment, card holder 20 may be generallysquare or rectangular in shape having a length 40 and a width 50. Thecard holder should be sized so that it can accommodate one or moretransaction cards and a sample. In an embodiment, the length 40 is aboutequal to the width 50, for example about 3×3, 3.5×3.5, 4×4. 4.5×4.5,5×5, 5.5×5.5, 6×6, 6.5×6.5, 7×7, 7.5×7.5, 8×8, 8.5×8.5, or 9×9 inches.In an alternative embodiment, the length 40 and width 50 are differentand may be independently selected as about 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6,6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, or 9 inches. In other embodiments, the card holderis any shape or size suitable for the purposes of the invention. Inother embodiments, the card holder 20 may have a shape promotionally orconceptionally related to the sample 30. For example, if the sample 30is a drink mix (e.g., instant coffee), then the card holder 20 may beshaped like (e.g., form an outline of) a coffee cup or mug; if thesample 30 is a household items such as detergent, then the card holder20 may be shaped like a washing machine, etc.

As can be seen in FIGS. 1-7 and 9, in some embodiments, card holder 20comprises a panel 22 and an opening 24. In other embodiments, as can beseen in FIG. 8, card holder 20 comprises a panel 22 and no opening.Panel 22 may be comprised of plastic, cardboard and/or paper and/or anyother material that may be known or developed in the art. In such anembodiment, the at least one transaction card and the at least onesample may be releaseably attached to the panel 22 by any suitablemethod of releasable attachment discussed herein or known to one ofskill in the art such as, for example, an adhesive 15 as shown in FIG.6B. Alternatively, other types of card holders may be used such asenvelopes; folding cards with cut-outs, inserts and/or pockets; clips;hangers; etc. In an embodiment, the at least one transaction card and/orthe at least one sample may be enclosed within the card holder 20. Whenenclosed within card holder 20, the at least one transaction card and/orthe at least one sample may be secured within the card holder by anymeans of releasable attachment. Alternatively, the at least onetransaction card and/or the at least one sample may not be securedwithin the card holder, thereby allowing the card(s) and/or sample(s) tohave some movement within the card holder while being secured to thepanel 22 via an outer packaging layer (e.g., a transparent layer of filmor plastic). In some embodiments, card holder 20 may consist of at leastone panel formed or co-joined to form a shape, such as but not limitedto, a mug, furniture item, or architectural structure, whereby the atleast one transaction card and/or the at least one sample may becontained within or coupled with the shaped card holder. Further, insome embodiments, card holder 20 may have an attached or integratedportion to facilitate stocking and/or displaying. One non-limitingexample of such a portion may be an opening such as, for example,opening 24. As can be seen in FIGS. 1-7 and 9, the opening may be a“sombrero” shaped aperture or cut-out suitable for receiving a shelf orrack rod and hanging the package assembly 60 from a display rack in aretail store. Another non-limiting example is an attached supportfeature such that the package assembly 60 may stand upright on a displayshelf, counter, or similar surface.

In an embodiment, the reverse side of transaction card package assembly60, e.g., the back, may be solid so as to completely obscure from viewthe at least one transaction card and the at least one sample.Alternatively, as in FIG. 6B, the reverse side of transaction cardpackage assembly 60 may contain one or more windows 26 such as a cut-outor transparent film, wherein all or portions of the at least onetransaction card 10 and/or the least one sample 30 are visible. In anembodiment, the reverse side of transaction card package assembly 60 maycomprise one or more barcodes such as UPC-A, UPC-E, EAN-13, EAN-8,Matrix, JAN, UCC/EAN-128, Code 39, Code 93 and Code 128 barcodes orcombinations thereof. In another embodiment, the reverse side oftransaction card package assembly 60 may comprise a magnetic stripe 63intended for use in activation. In a further embodiment, the reverseside of transaction card package assembly 60 may comprise one or morebarcodes and one or more magnetic stripes. An example of such anembodiment is shown in FIG. 6B, wherein the reverse side of transactioncard package assembly 60 comprises a EAN/UCC-128 barcode 66 visiblethrough window 26, a EAN/UCC-12 barcode 69, and a magnetic stripe 63.Further, the reverse side of transaction card package assembly 60 may beprinted with images, logos, slogans, directions for use, and/or otherany other words or graphics.

As can be seen in FIGS. 1-4, in an embodiment, transaction card packageassembly 60 comprises a transaction card 10, a sample 30, and a cardholder 20. In various embodiments, transaction card 10 may be situatedvertically on or within card holder 20. As can be seen in FIGS. 1 and 2,transaction card 10 may be situated vertically with the top 13 oftransaction card 10 on the viewer's left and the bottom 16 oftransaction card 10 on the viewer's right. Alternatively, transactioncard 10 may be situated vertically with the top 13 of transaction card10 on the viewer's right and the bottom 16 of transaction card 10 on theviewer's left. In other embodiments, transaction card 10 may be situatedhorizontally on or within card holder 20. As can be seen in FIGS. 3 and4, transaction card 10 may be situated horizontally with the top 13 oftransaction card 10 facing up, e.g., right side up. Alternatively,transaction card 10 may be situated horizontally with the top 13 oftransaction card 10 facing down, e.g., upside down. In otherembodiments, transaction card 10 may be situated diagonally on or withincard holder 20. Further, transaction card 10 may be situated at anypoint on or within card holder 20, for example, in the center, to theright, to the left, toward the top, toward the bottom, etc. As in FIGS.1-4, in some embodiments, transaction card 10 is situated so that thefront side of the transaction card is visible. Alternatively,transaction card 10 may be situated so that the reverse side of thetransaction card, e.g., the back, which may contain bar, magnetic orother coding, is visible.

As can be seen in FIGS. 7A and 7B, in an alternative embodiment of atransaction card package assembly comprising a transaction card, asample, and a card holder, transaction card 10 may be situated on and/orto card holder 20 so that transaction card 10 extends beyond theconfines of the card holder 20, e.g., hangs off the card holder. In suchan embodiment, transaction card 10 may comprise a magnetic stripe 63intended for use in activation. Magnetic stripe 63 may be used in anactivation transaction without removing transaction card 10 from cardholder 20. In an alternative embodiment, transaction card 10 maycomprise a barcode intended for use in activation. The barcode may beused in an activation transaction without removing transaction card 10from card holder 20.

In a further embodiment of a transaction card package assemblycomprising a transaction card, a sample, and a card holder, thetransaction card package assembly may additionally comprise a secondpanel 25. As illustrated in FIGS. 8A and 8B, in an embodiment, secondpanel 25 may be releasably attached to transaction card 10.Alternatively, second panel 25 may be releasably attached to card holder20. In an embodiment, the means for releasable attachment 21 of secondpanel 25 to transaction card 10 or, alternatively, to card holder 20 maybe, for example, a score or break line in a snap and break connection.In an embodiment, second panel 25 may comprise a magnetic stripe 63intended for use in activation. As can be seen in FIG. 8B, transactioncard 10 may also comprise a magnetic stripe 64. In such an embodiment,magnetic stripe 63 may be separate and distinct from magnetic stripe 64,e.g., magnetic stripe 63 may contain separate and distinct identifiersand/or information from magnetic stripe 64. For example, magnetic stripe63 may be intended for use in activation and correlation transactionswhile magnetic stripe 64 may be intended for use only in redemptiontransactions. Upon activation, second panel 25 may be removed fromtransaction card 10 or, alternatively, from card holder 20, for example,via snapping and breaking along the releasable attachment 21.

Looking now to FIG. 5, in some embodiments, transaction card packageassembly 60 comprises multiple transaction cards 10 a-10 e, a sample 30,and a card holder 20. Each of transaction cards 10 a-10 e has its owntop of card 13 and its own bottom of card 16. In an embodiment, atransaction card package assembly comprising multiple transaction cardsmay comprise two transaction cards; alternatively, three transactioncards; alternatively, four transaction cards; alternatively, fivetransaction cards; alternatively, any number of transaction cards.Likewise, the transaction card package assemblies may contain aplurality of samples 30, for example arranged in side-by-side,cascading, or other fashion.

As shown in FIG. 5, in an embodiment, transaction cards 10 a-10 e may besituated on or within card holder 20 in an off-set stack or cascadingarrangement. Transaction cards 10 a-10 e may be off-set stacked downwardwith the top of transaction card 10 e at the highest point and thebottom of transaction card 10 a at the lowest point. In this embodiment,the tops of transaction cards 10 b-10 e are visible, and the entirety oftransaction card 10 a is visible. Alternatively, transaction cards 10a-10 e may be off-set stacked upward with the top of transaction card 10a at the highest point and the bottom of transaction card 10 e at thelowest point. In this embodiment, the bottoms of transaction cards 10b-10 e are visible, and the entirety of transaction card 10 a isvisible. Alternatively, the transaction cards 10 a-10 e may be off-setstacked to either or both sides, e.g., right and/or left. Alternatively,transaction cards 10 a-10 e may be off-set stacked diagonally. Inanother embodiment, transaction cards 10 a-10 e may be situated on orwithin card holder 20 in a stack, i.e., stacked directly on top of oneanother; alternatively, situated in a fanned arrangement; or,alternatively, situated in any arrangement suitable for the purposes ofthe invention.

In an alternative embodiment of a transaction card package assemblycomprising multiple transaction cards, the transaction cards may bereleasably attached to each other. For example, as in FIG. 9, the top 13a of transaction card 10 a may be releasably attached to the card holder20, the top 13 b of transaction card 10 b may be releasably attached tothe bottom 16 a of transaction card 10 a, the top 13 c of transactioncard 10 c may be releasably attached to the bottom 16 b of transactioncard 16 b, etc. The means for releasable attachment 21 a-21 d may be,for example, a score or break line in a snap and break connection.Alternatively, the means for releasable attachment 21 a-21 d may be anysuitable means for the purposes of the invention. Additionally,transaction cards 10 a-10 d may be releasably attached to each otherusing the same means of releasable attachment or, alternatively, thetransaction card 10 a-10 d may be releasably attached to each otherusing different means of releasable attachment.

As can be seen in FIG. 9B, in another embodiment of a transaction cardpackage assembly comprising multiple transaction cards, one or more ofthe transaction cards 10, e.g., 10(a), 10(b), and 10(c), may be situatedon and/or to the card holder 20 so that the one or more transactioncards 10 extend beyond the confines of the card holder, e.g., hang offthe card holder. In such an embodiment, the one or more transactioncards may comprise a magnetic stripe 63 intended for use in activation.Such magnetic stripe(s) 63, e.g., 63(a), 63(b), and 63(c), may be usedin an activation transaction without removing the one or moretransaction cards 10 from the card holder 20. In an alternativeembodiment, the one or more transaction cards 10 may comprise a barcodeintended for use in activation. The barcode may be used in an activationtransaction without removing the one or more transaction cards 10 fromcard holder 20.

As illustrated in FIG. 9, in a further embodiment of a transaction cardpackage assembly comprising multiple transaction cards, the transactioncard package assembly may additionally comprise a second panel 25.Second panel 25 may be releasably attached to any one of the transactioncards. Alternatively, second panel 25 may be releasably attached to thecard holder 20. In an embodiment, the means for releasable attachment 21of second panel 25 to the transaction card or, alternatively, to cardholder 20 may be, for example, a score or break line in a snap and breakconnection. In an embodiment, second panel 25 may comprise a magneticstripe 63 intended for use in activation. As can be seen in FIG. 9,transaction cards 10 a-10 d may each also comprise a magnetic stripe 64a-64 d. In such an embodiment, magnetic stripe 63 may be separate anddistinct from magnetic stripes 64 a-64 d, e.g., magnetic stripe 63 maycontain separate and distinct identifiers and/or information frommagnetic stripes 64 a-64 d. For example, magnetic stripe 63 may beintended for use in activation and correlation transactions whilemagnetic stripes 64 a-64 d may be intended for use only in redemptiontransactions. Upon activation, second panel 25 may be removed from thetransaction card or, alternatively, from card holder 20, for example,via snapping and breaking along the releasable attachment 21.

In various embodiments, transaction cards 10 a-10 e may be situatedvertically on or within card holder 20. Transaction cards 10 a-10 e maybe situated vertically with the tops 13 of transaction cards 10 a-10 eon the viewer's right and the bottoms 16 of transaction cards 10 a-10 eon the viewer's left. Alternatively, transaction cards 10 a-10 e may besituated vertically with the tops 13 of transaction card 10 a-10 e onthe viewer's left and the bottoms 16 of transaction cards 10 a-10 e onthe viewer's right. In other embodiments, transaction cards 10 a-10 emay be situated horizontally on or within card holder 20. As can be seenin FIG. 5, transaction cards 10 a-10 e may be situated horizontally withthe tops 13 of transaction cards 10 a-10 e facing up, e.g., right sideup. Alternatively, transaction cards 10 a-10 e may be situatedhorizontally with the tops 13 of transaction cards 10 a-10 e facingdown, e.g., upside down. In other embodiments, transaction cards 10 a-10e may be situated diagonally on or within card holder 20. Further,transaction cards 10 a-10 e may be situated at any point on or withincard holder 20, for example, in the center, to the right, to the left,toward the top, toward the bottom, etc. As in FIG. 5, in someembodiments, transaction cards 10 a-10 e are situated so that the frontsides of the transaction cards are visible. Alternatively, transactioncards 10 a-10 e may be situated so that the reverse sides of thetransaction cards, e.g., the backs, which may contain bar, magnetic orother coding, are visible.

As can be seen in FIGS. 1-9, sample 30 may be sized so that it fits onor within the confines of card holder 20. Alternatively, sample 30 maybe sized and/or attached so as to extend beyond the boundaries orconfines of card holder 20. As in FIGS. 1-4, sample 30 may be situatedso that it is positioned next to the one or more transaction cards.Alternatively, as in FIG. 5, sample 30 may be situated so that is itoverlapping the one or more transaction cards, or, alternatively, sample30 may be situated so that it is overlapped by the one or moretransaction cards. In an alternative embodiment, sample 30 may besituated directly on a transaction card, e.g., sample 30 may be affixedto the transaction card. In embodiments comprising more than onetransaction card, the transaction card package assembly may additionallycomprise more than one sample, each sample situated directly on atransaction card. For example, a transaction card package assembly maycomprise transaction cards A through D and samples A through D, whereinsample A is situated directly on and/or affixed to transaction card A,sample B is situated directly on and/or affixed to transaction card B,sample C is situated directly on and/or affixed to transaction card C,and sample D is situated directly on and/or affixed to transaction cardD.

Further, sample 30 may be situated to the viewer's left of the one ormore transactions; alternatively, to the viewer's right; alternatively,situated above the one or more transaction cards; alternatively,situated below the one or more transaction cards. As can be seen inFIGS. 1, 2, and 5, sample 30 may be situated vertically on card holder20 or, as can be seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, sample 30 may be situatedhorizontally on card holder 20. In a further embodiment, sample 30 maybe situated diagonally on card holder 20.

In embodiments wherein sample 30 is attached or otherwise affixed to orwithin the card holder, sample 30 may be attached or otherwise affixedto or within card holder 20 in the same manner, e.g., attached byadhesive, clamps, a casing, etc., as the at least one transaction card10, or, in another embodiment, sample 30 may be attached or otherwiseaffixed to or within card holder 20 in a different manner than the atleast one transaction card 10. Sample 30 may be releasably attached tocard holder 20 or, alternatively, to transaction card 10 in such a waythat entities affiliated with the transaction card package assembly,such as, for example, vendors, merchants, and/or issuers can removesample 30 without disturbing any other aspect of transaction cardpackage assembly 60 for such purposes as removing and/or replacingsample 30, updating transaction card package assembly 60 with anothersample product, or for any other reason. Such reasons may comprise oneor more of the following: updating for promotional period initiation ortermination; updating for changes in seasonally directed sampleofferings; updating for changes concerning entertainment, sporting,and/or leisure activity sample offerings. Sample 30 may be releasablyattached to card holder 20 or, alternatively, to transaction card 10using any suitable means of releasable attachment discussed herein orknown to one of skill in the art. In an embodiment, the card holder 20(e.g., panel 22) may comprise a removable portion defined by aperforation line or a snap and break line, as represented by dashed line37 in FIGS. 1 and 4. The removable portion may comprise the sample,which may be removed from the card holder 20 via the perforations orsnap and break line, thereby leaving the remainder of the card packageassembly 60 comprising the card 10 for continued display and use. Invarious embodiments, the sample 30 may be removable and/or replaceable,for example with reusable adhesive (e.g., fugitive glue that remainsupon the card holder 20 upon removal of the sample 30). Replaceablesamples would allow for promotional updates, seasonal changes, and thelike.

In an embodiment, sample 30 is provided by the transaction card issuer.Alternatively, the transaction card issuer may reach an agreement withan external party wherein the external party may provide the sample 30.In an embodiment, such an external party may be a vendor that sellstransaction card package assembly 60. In another embodiment, theexternal party may be a merchant that accepts the one or moretransaction cards as tender for purchase. In an alternative embodiment,the external party may be unaffiliated with the sale of transaction cardpackage assembly 60 and/or the redemption of the one or more transactioncards.

In embodiments wherein transaction card package assembly 60 comprises areplaceable sample 30, both transaction card package assembly 60 andsample 30 may be packaged so that the assembly and sample may becorrelated together. Such correlation may be performed via a point ofsale terminal; alternatively, via the transaction card issuer's system;alternatively, via a sample issuer's system; or, alternatively, via atransaction card processing system. Additionally, point of saleterminals and issuers' systems may be configured to cancel correlations.Such correlation between transaction card package assembly accounts andsample accounts may be desirable and/or necessary, for example, tomonitor product sales, to track consumer patterns, and/or for any otherdata collection. In such instances, transaction card package assembly 60and sample 30 may each comprise a distinct identifier. In an embodiment,a transaction card package assembly and a sample may be correlatedtogether by entering the identifiers at a point of sale terminal, forexample, by scanning a bar code, by swiping a magnetic stripe, bymanually keying in a code, or combinations thereof. Upon being enteredat the point of sale terminal, the identifiers may be conveyed (forexample, via a computer network) to a processor, e.g., a third partyprocessor, responsible for looking up the associated accounts (forexample, via database reconciliation) and correlating same in adatabase.

In an embodiment, transaction card package assembly 60 is packaged sothat the transaction card or cards contained therein can be activated ata point of sale terminal by either a one-step or a two-step activationprocess as described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,607,574, to Kingsborough, etal., which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. In suchembodiments, transaction card package assembly 60 or a component thereofsuch as the at least one transaction card 10 or card holder 20,comprises at least three distinct identifiers, namely a vendor productidentification code, an issuer account code, and a combination vendorproduct identification and issuer account code. The three identifiersmay be encoded within bar codes, magnetic stripes, electronic tags suchas radio frequency identification (RFID) tags, microprocessors ormicrochips, or combinations thereof. All three identifiers should beexternally visible and/or readily accessible on the package assembly orcomponent thereof for use at a point of sale terminal to activate thetransaction card or cards. Having all three identifiers present andvisible/readily accessible on the package assembly or component thereof,e.g., the at least one transaction card and/or card holder, allows thetransaction card or cards to be activated by either a one-step or atwo-step activation sequence.

In a two-step activation sequence, the first step comprises entering thevendor product identification code at a point of sale terminal such as aregister at a check out lane, which performs a look-up to determine theidentity of the product being purchased. For example, the first step maybe performed at the point of sale terminal by scanning a bar code, forexample, a 12 digit bar code also referred to as an EAN/UCC-12 or UPC-A,containing the vendor product identification code. A price is typicallyassociated with the look-up and product identification. Such price maybe fixed, for example incremental denominations such as a $25 card, $50card, etc. or alternatively may be a variable amount requested by thecustomer. The second step comprises entering the issuer account code atthe point of sale terminal, which is then used to activate theparticular account associated with the one or more transaction cardssuch that the card(s) may be used to transact business with a redeemingmerchant. For example, the second step may be performed by swiping amagnetic stripe containing the issuer account code, wherein accountinformation is read from the magnetic stripe and used to activate theaccount associated with the one or more transaction cards.Alternatively, the second step may be performed by scanning a bar codecontaining the issuer account code, wherein the account information readfrom the bar code is used to activate the account associated with theone or more transaction cards. Alternatively, the second step may beperformed by reading an RFID tag or computer chip containing the issueraccount code, wherein the account information read from the bar code isused to activate the account associated with the one or more transactioncards. Upon being read at the point of sale terminal, the issuer accountcode may be conveyed (for example, via a computer network) to the issueror other third party processor responsible for looking up the accountcode (for example, via a database reconciliation) and activating same.

In a one-step activation sequence, the one step comprises simultaneouslyentering the combination vendor product identification and issueraccount code at a point of sale terminal. For example, the one step maybe performed at the point of sale terminal by scanning a bar code, forexample an EAN/UCC-128 bar code, containing both a vendor productidentification portion and an issuer account portion. The vendor productidentification portion may be used to perform a look-up to determineproduct identity and price as described previously. The issuer accountportion may be used to activate the particular account associated withthe one or more transaction cards such that the card(s) may be used totransact business with the issuer of the card(s) as describedpreviously. As can be seen from these descriptions, the one-step processonly requires a single entry by a clerk operating the point of saleterminal to activate the one or more transaction cards, whereas thetwo-step process requires two separate steps to activate the one or moretransaction cards.

With regard to correlation requests, as previously described, in anembodiment, a transaction card package assembly and a sample eachcomprise a distinct identifier. When requesting correlation, both theidentifier from the transaction card package assembly and the identifierfrom the sample are entered via a point of sale terminal; alternatively,via a transaction card issuer's system; alternatively, via a sampleissuer's system; or, alternatively, via a transaction card processingsystem. The identifier comprised by the transaction card packageassembly may be the issuer account code as described above with relationto one- and two-step activation processes. In such an embodiment,specifically an embodiment wherein a transaction card package assemblyis configured to be activated using a two-step activation process, tocomplete a correlation request, the sample identifier may be entered ata point of sale terminal and the transaction card package assemblyidentifier, that is, the issuer account code found on the transactioncard package assembly, may also be entered at the point of saleterminal, for example, by swiping a magnetic stripe containing theissuer account code, by scanning a bar code containing the issueraccount code or by reading an RFID tag or computer chip containing theissuer account code. Alternatively, in an embodiment wherein atransaction card package assembly is configured to be activated using aone-step activation process, to complete a correlation request, thesample identifier may be entered at a point of sale terminal and thetransaction card package assembly identifier, that is, the combinationvendor product identification and issuer account code found on thetransaction card package assembly, may also be entered at the point ofsale terminal, for example, by scanning a bar code such as anEAN/UCC-128 bar code containing the combination vendor productidentification and issuer account code.

For ease in entering a correlation request at a point of sale terminal,the issuer account code and/or the combination vendor productidentification and issuer account code may be visible/readily accessibleon the transaction card package assembly or a component thereof. In anembodiment, the issuer account code and/or the combination vendorproduct identification and issuer account code may be visible/readilyaccessible on the card holder 20. In an alternative embodiment, theissuer account code and/or the combination vendor product identificationand issuer account code may be visible/readily accessible on thetransaction card 10. In embodiments wherein the transaction card packageassembly comprises multiple transaction cards, each transaction card maycomprise a visible/readily accessible issuer account code and/orcombination vendor product identification and issuer account code. Insuch an instance, each individual transaction card may be correlated toa sample. For example, a transaction card package assembly may comprisetransaction cards A through D, and transaction cards A through D mayeach comprise a visible/readily accessible issuer account code and/orcombination vendor product identification and issuer account code. Atransaction card package assembly vendor may wish to correlate samples Athrough D with the transaction card package assembly, specifically tocorrelate sample A with transaction card A, sample B with transactioncard B, etc. The vendor may enter the code found on transaction card Aand the identifier found on sample A at a point of sale terminal andrequest correlation of same. The vendor may repeat the process withtransaction card B and sample B, transaction card C and sample C, andtransaction card D and sample D. In an embodiment, multiple transactioncards comprised in a transaction card package assembly may be correlatedwith identical samples. Alternatively, multiple transaction cardscomprised in a transaction card package may be correlated with differentsamples.

FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary transaction card package assemblyprocessing system 100 in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention. In an embodiment, such a system may be used to processtransaction requests such as the correlation and activation requestsdiscussed above as well as redemption and deactivation requests amongother types of requests. In one embodiment, the processing systemcomprises: (a) at least one point of sale unit 111; (b) a transactioncard package assembly processing computer 150; (c) a datastore 180containing transaction card identifiers, sample identifiers, transactioncard package assembly identifiers, transaction card account information,sample account information, transaction card package assembly accountinformation, and other information related to activating, redeeming, andmanaging transaction cards and transaction card package assemblies; (d)at least one individual transaction card issuers' authorization system160; and (e) any other unit included in the system by the processingsystem administrator 151. In one embodiment, the processing computer 150comprises a sample correlation unit 153, a POS interface 152, arequested data unit 154, a reconciliation unit 155, a card issuer systeminterface 156, and an authorization unit 157. The POS Interface 152provides a means for the processing computer 150 to communicate with thepoint of sale unit 111 via, for example, the Internet, a Public SwitchedTelephone Network (PSTN), or an independent dedicated network. Likewise,the processing computer 150 may communicate with the transaction cardissuers' authorization system 160 via, for example, the Internet, aPublic Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), or an independent dedicatednetwork. Communications 106, 107 between the POS interface 152 and thepoint of sale unit 111 and communications 109, 110 between the cardissuer system interface 156 and the card issuers' authorization systems160 may be encrypted for added security and/or may utilize a virtualprivate network (VPN).

As can be seen in FIG. 10, at the point of sale unit 111 (typicallylocated at a vendor and/or redeeming merchant), the identifier on thetransaction card package assembly, on the transaction card and/or on theindividual sample is interpreted 102 by a point of sale interpretationunit 101 (e.g., a code reader). The point of sale interpretation unit101 can comprise a human, a bar code scanner, magnetic stripe reader,optical character recognition device, or other device configured tointerpret the data encoded in the identifier on the transaction cardpackage assembly, on the transaction card and/or on the sample.

Contemporaneously with the interpretation of the identifier(s), arequest for correlation, activation, redemption or deactivation 103 by apoint of sale transaction unit 104 is made. The point of saletransaction unit 104 can comprise a human, an electronic input device, aregister, a computer processing unit (“CPU”), or other means ofrequesting the correlation between the transaction card package assemblyidentifier or individual transaction card identifier and the sampleidentifier, or the activation, redemption or deactivation of thetransaction card identifier interpreted by the point of saleinterpretation unit 101. In some embodiments, the actions performed bythe point of sale interpretation unit 101 and the point of saletransaction unit 104 may be performed by one unit capable of performingboth actions that would be performed by the individual units.

The point of sale interpretation unit 101 and the point of saletransaction unit 104 communicate with the point of sale processing unit105. The point of sale processing unit 105 can comprise a CPU or othertype of processing device accepted for use in the industry. The point ofsale interpretation unit 101 communicates at least one of thetransaction card package assembly identifier, the transaction cardidentifier, and the sample identifier to the point of sale processingunit 105. The point of sale transaction unit 104 communicates therequest for correlation, activation, redemption or deactivation of theidentifier(s) interpreted by the point of sale interpretation unit 101to the point of sale processing unit 105. The point of sale processingunit 105 communicates 106 with the processing computer 150 (e.g.,transmits a message requesting correlation, activation, redemption ordeactivation). In some embodiments, the actions performed by the pointof sale interpretation unit 101, the point of sale transaction unit 104,and the point of sale processing unit 105 may all be performed by oneunit (e.g., an integrated POS device such as a computerized register)capable of performing all the actions that would be performed by theindividual units.

The point of sale processing unit 105 is connectable to the processingcomputer 150 via a suitable network, such as the Internet, the publicswitched telephone network (PSTN), or an independent dedicated network.Each point of sale processing unit 105 has an associated identifier thatmay be transmitted to the processing computer 150 during the course ofconnecting the point of sale processing unit 105 to the processingcomputer 150. Each point of sale processing unit 105 may includemultiple point of sale transaction units 101, 104 corresponding toindividual terminals each with its own terminal identification.

As depicted in FIG. 10, the processing computer 150 is configured to:(a) form a secure connection with the transaction card package assemblyvendor (e.g., via the point of sale unit 111), the card issuers'authorization systems 160, and any other entities 190 authorized toaccess the processing computer 150 by the processing systemadministrator 151; (b) communicate with card issuers' authorizationsystems 160 to request and receive activation or deactivation oftransaction cards; (c) communicate with card issuers' authorizationsystems 160 to redeem all or a portion of the value, services, orproducts associated with the transaction cards; (d) correlatetransaction card package assemblies and/or individual transaction cardswith samples; (e) generate and maintain a transaction log 170 of allactivities performed; (f) generate and maintain an error log 175 of allactivities unsuccessfully completed and reasons therefor; (g) use thePOS Interface 152 to communicate to the transaction card packageassembly vendor via the POS unit 111 the activation or deactivation ofthe transaction card and any information concomitant with the activationor deactivation of individual transaction cards, i.e. the communicationof PINs associated with activated transaction cards; and (h) use the POSInterface 152 to communicate to the transaction card package assemblyvendor via the POS unit 111 any reasons why requested transactionscannot not be completed.

The processing computer 150 may comprise a singular processing unit(e.g., a centralized server or data center), a plurality of processingunits (e.g., a distributed computing system with various unitsdistributed and in communication with each other), or combinationsthereof, with concomitant storage capabilities, each capable of ordesignated for: accessing the datastore 180; creating a transaction log170; creating and maintaining an error log 175; communicating withtransaction card package assembly vendors; communicating with thetransaction card issuers' authorization systems 160; processingtransaction card package assembly and sample correlation requests;correlating individual transaction card package assembly identifiersand/or individual transaction card identifiers with individual sampleidentifiers; processing transaction card activation and/or deactivationrequests; processing transaction card redemption requests; andcommunicating with other systems 190 capable of and authorized tocommunicate with the processing computer 150.

Datastore 180 maintains records of accounts associated with eachtransaction card package assembly indicating: (a) the specific samplecorrelated with each transaction card package assembly and/ortransaction card, (b) whether a sample correlated with a transactioncard package assembly and/or a transaction card is replaceable, (c) thesamples eligible for correlation with each transaction card packageassembly and/or transaction card, (d) whether the one or moretransaction cards contained within/coupled to a transaction card packageassembly have been activated or deactivated, (e) whether the one or moretransaction cards contained within/coupled to a transaction card packageassembly have been redeemed, (f) records and details of each redemptionrequest for the one or more transaction cards contained within/coupledto a transaction card package assembly, (g) the monetary amountremaining on the one or more transaction cards contained within/coupledto a transaction card package, (h) conditions required for activationand redeeming the one or more transaction cards contained within/coupledto a transaction card package, (i) identity of the transaction cardissuer, (j) any combination thereof.

The processing computer 150 is also configured to generate and maintaina transaction log 170 of all activity involving the processing computer150. The transaction log may comprise a detailed summary of: (a)requested transaction card package assembly and sample correlations; (b)requested transaction card activations; (c) requested transaction carddeactivations; (d) the monetary amount ascribed to transaction cardactivations; (e) the monetary amount ascribed to transaction carddeactivations; (f) the time transaction cards were activated; (g) thetime transaction cards were deactivated; (h) the transaction orcommunication performed with the transaction card issuer to activate atransaction card; (i) the transaction or communication performed withthe transaction card issuer to deactivate a transaction card; (j) thePIN communicated to the transaction card package assembly vendor inresponse to a request to activate a transaction card requiring the inputof a PIN for use; (k) any other information the processing systemadministrator 151 directs the processing computer 150 to maintain as alog entry; and (m) any combination thereof.

The information contained in the transaction log 170 may be used togenerate reconciliation reports, settlement reports, payment reports,audit reports, or other forms of information aggregation for the benefitof, use by, or for provision to, the processing system administrator151, the datastore administrator 181, transaction card package assemblyvendors, transaction card package assembly issuers, transaction cardpackage assembly issuers' authorization systems 160, redeemingmerchants, or other interested parties. For example, the transaction log170 contains information about each transaction performed by processingcomputer 150 and may be utilized by the reconciliation unit 155 whenreconciling accounts belonging to various vendors, merchants,transaction card package assembly issuers and the processing systemadministrator.

Oversight and maintenance of the processing computer 150 is performed bythe processing system administrator 151. Although not required, in analternative embodiment, the processing system administrator 151 may alsofunction as the datastore administrator 181. The processing computer 150is configured to generate and maintain an error log of all transactionsthat were not completed and reasons therefor. In some embodiments, theerror log is administered by the processing system administrator 151.

As noted above, the processing computer 150 is configured to determinewhich samples are eligible for correlation with a particular transactioncard package assembly. Additionally, the processing computer 150 isconfigured to receive instructive communication 110 from the transactioncard issuers' authorization systems 160 concerning transaction cardpackage assembly and sample correlation eligibility. This information isprocessed in the sample correlation unit 153 and stored as data in theappropriate accounts in the datastore 180.

When the processing computer receives a request for correlation, theprocessing computer 150 may then compare the transaction card packageassembly or individual transaction card identification and the sampleidentification contained within the correlation request to data saved inthe datastore 180 to determine whether the transaction card packageassembly or individual transaction card and the sample are eligible forcorrelation together. For example, a particular transaction card issuermay have an agreement with an external party wherein the externalparty's samples may be releasably attached to the issuer's transactioncard package assemblies. Thus, the external party's samples are eligiblefor correlation with the issuer's transaction card package assemblies.In another example, a particular transaction card issuer may wish toreplace seasonal samples releasably attached to transaction card packageassemblies with new samples. Thus, the seasonal samples are no longereligible for correlation with the transaction card package assemblieswhile the new samples are eligible for correlation. In yet anotherexample, a particular transaction card issuer may pre-approve multiplesamples, any one of which may be releasably attached to the issuer'stransaction card package assembly at the transaction card packageassembly vendor's discretion. Thus, any one of the pre-approved samplesis eligible for correlation with the transaction card package assembly.If a transaction card package assembly or individual transaction cardand a sample are determined eligible for correlation, the processingcomputer 150 effectuates the correlation in the sample correlation unit153. The processing computer 150 also updates the appropriatetransaction card package assembly, individual transaction card and/orsample accounts in the datastore 180 to reflect the new correlation andto memorialize any previous correlation information as correlationhistory.

In embodiments wherein a correlation request is received requestingcorrelation of a sample to a transaction card package assembly orindividual transaction card that is already correlated to a differentsample, the processing computer 150 may compare the information receivedin the correlation request to data stored in the datastore 180. If thetransaction card package assembly or individual transaction card is notauthorized to be correlated with more than one sample, but is eligiblefor correlation with the sample requested in the correlation request,the processing computer 150 cancels the previous correlation andeffectuates the correlation between the requested sample and thetransaction card package assembly or individual transaction card.Alternatively, if the transaction card package assembly or individualtransaction card is authorized to be correlated with more than onesample and is eligible for correlation with the requested sample, theprocessing computer 150 effectuates the correlation of the requestedsample and the transaction card package assembly or individualtransaction card without canceling the previous correlation unlessotherwise instructed. In all embodiments, the processing computer 150updates the appropriate transaction card package assembly, individualtransaction card and/or sample accounts in the datastore 180 to reflectthe new correlation and to memorialize any previous correlationinformation as correlation history.

The processing computer 150 is also configured to process activation,deactivation and redemption requests. Upon receipt of an activation,deactivation or redemption request for a transaction card from thetransaction card package assembly vendor, the processing computer 150accesses the datastore 180 of transaction card identification data. Theprocessing computer 150 processes the information contained in thedatastore 180 and communicates 109, 110 with the individual transactioncard issuers' authorization systems 160 to effectuate activation,deactivation or redemption of the transaction card. The processingcomputer's 150 communication with the individual transaction cardissuers' authorization systems 160 may occur simultaneously orindependently.

The processing computer 150 is also configured to communicate to thetransaction card package assembly vendor 107 the status of a request foractivation, deactivation or redemption of a transaction card and tocommunicate any necessary PIN information required by activatedtransaction cards to the transaction card package assembly vendor inorder for the transaction card package assembly purchaser to be apprisedof that information for use of the purchased individual transactioncard.

The processing computer 150 is further configured to communicate withother entities 190 authorized to access the transaction card packageassembly processing system and specifically authorized to accessprocessing computer 150. These other entities may comprise third partypayment management systems, third party audit systems, card issueraffiliated entities, card vendor affiliated entities, redeemingmerchants or redeeming merchant affiliated entities, financialinstitutions, such as banks and credit unions, or any other entityprovided access by the processing system administrator 151.

There may arise situations wherein a correlation, activation, redemptionor deactivation request is received by the processing computer 150, butthe information in the datastore 180 pertaining to the transaction cardpackage assembly identification, the transaction card identificationand/or the sample identification received by the processing computer 150precludes completion of the request. For example, a transaction cardpackage assembly vendor may send a correlation request for a specificsample and a specific transaction card package assembly that have notbeen authorized for correlation together. Upon receiving the correlationrequest, the processing computer 150 will compare the transaction cardpackage assembly identification and the sample identification with datafrom the datastore 180 and determine that the specific transaction cardpackage assembly identifier and the specific sample identifier cannot becorrelated together. In another example, a transaction card may havebeen previously activated, returned to the point of sale for a refund,but not deactivated prior to reshelving. In that case, when a subsequentcustomer purchases that transaction card and an activation request iscommunicated to the processing computer 150, the datastore 180 accountaccessed by the processing computer 150 will indicate that thetransaction card is already activated. In a further example, thetransaction card identification received by the processing computer 150may be associated with a datastore 180 account that indicates the cardhas already been redeemed for the entire amount. In these and othersimilar situations, the processing computer 150 will communicate amessage to the transaction card package assembly vendor that thetransaction cannot be completed.

The sample correlation unit 153 processes transaction card packageassembly and sample correlation eligibility instruction received fromtransaction card issuers' authorization systems 160, sample issuers'authorization systems, and/or transaction processing systems and updatesthe appropriate one or more accounts stored in the datastore 180 toreflect the instruction. The transaction card package assembly andsample correlation eligibility instruction received from a transactioncard issuer's authorization system 160, sample issuer's authorizationsystem, and/or transaction processing system may contain one or more ofthe following pieces of information: (a) one or more transaction cardpackage assembly identifications, (b) one or more individual transactioncard identifications, (c) one or more sample identifications, (d)authorization for one or more sample identifiers to be correlated withone or more transaction card package assembly identifiers or one or moreindividual transaction card identifiers, (e) the date a givencorrelation becomes eligible, (f) the date a given correlation becomesineligible, (g) identification of one or more vendor locations wherein acorrelation is eligible, (h) identification of the transaction cardissuer, (i) identification of the sample issuer, and (j) any combinationthereof. The information contained within the transaction card packageassembly and sample correlation eligibility instruction is not limitedto the enumerated list but may include other items in addition to theitems enumerated or in place of the items enumerated above.

The sample correlation unit 153 also receives correlation requests fromthe point of sale terminal 111 and uses information contained within thecorrelation request as well as information contained in datastore 180 todetermine whether the transaction card package assembly or individualtransaction card and the sample which the point of sale unit 111 isattempting to have correlated are eligible for correlation. Thecorrelation request from the point of sale unit 111 may contain one ormore of the following pieces of information: (a) transaction cardpackage assembly identification, (b) individual transaction cardidentification, (c) sample identification, (d) point of sale terminalidentification, (e) the time of the correlation request, (f) the date ofthe correlation request, (g) identification of the card issuer for thetransaction card package assembly, (h) identification of the sampleissuer (i) identification of the correlating vendor, (j) location ofcorrelating vendor, and (k) any combination thereof. The informationcontained within the correlation request is not limited to theenumerated list but may include other items in addition to the itemsenumerated or in place of the items enumerated above.

When processing a correlation request, the sample correlation unit 153compares the information received in the correlation request toinformation stored in the datastore 180 to determine if any of thecriteria for correlating the requested transaction card package assemblyor individual transaction card and sample are met. For example, thetransaction card issuer may have provided that a transaction cardpackage assembly offered for sale is eligible for correlation with aspecific sample only during a designated period of time. Alternatively,the transaction card issuer may have provided that a transaction cardpackage assembly comprising multiple transaction cards is eligible forcorrelation with a first sample but not a second sample while atransaction card package assembly comprising a single transaction cardis eligible for correlation with the second sample but not the firstsample. Alternatively, the transaction card issuer may have providedthat a transaction card package assembly offered for sale at vendor X iseligible for correlation with a sample while an identical transactioncard package assembly offered for sale at vendor Y is ineligible forcorrelation with the same sample. For example, the card issuer may betrying to promote a regional product through the sample. In such aninstance, vendor X may be located in the region wherein the product isfor sale, and vendor Y may not be located in the region wherein theproduct is for sale. Alternatively, the card issuer may have reached anagreement with an external party wherein the external party provides thesamples for the transaction card package assemblies. In such aninstance, the external party may be affiliated with vendor X, butunaffiliated and/or in competition with vendor Y. Once the criteria forcorrelation are determined to be met, the sample correlation unit 153correlates the transaction card package assembly or individualtransaction card identifier with the sample identifier and updates theappropriate accounts in the datastore 180.

The request data unit 154 processes data requests received from thetransaction card issuer's authorization system 160, the point of saleterminal 111, and/or the one or more other entities 190 granted accessto the processing computer 150. The data requests may contain requestsfor any of the various data found in the processing computer 150, thetransaction log 170, the error log 175 and/or the datastore 180. Thedata request may request one or more of the following: (a)identification of samples correlated to specific transaction cardpackage assemblies, (b) identification of samples correlated to specifictransaction cards, (c) identification of any entities requestingcorrelation of specific samples to specific transaction card packageassemblies, (d) location of any entities requesting correlation ofspecific sample to specific transaction card package assemblies, (e)time and date of correlation request for specific samples to specifictransaction card package assemblies, (f) activation of specifictransaction card package assemblies with correlated samples, (g)activation of specific transaction card package assemblies withoutcorrelated samples, (h) identification of vendors activating specifictransaction card package assemblies, (i) location of vendors activatingspecific transaction card package assemblies, (j) time and date ofactivation of specific transaction card package assemblies, (k)redemption of specific transaction cards, (l) redemption of transactioncards from specific transaction card package assemblies with correlatedsamples, (m) redemption of transaction cards from specific transactioncard package assemblies without correlated samples, (n) identificationof vendors redeeming specific transaction cards, (o) location of vendorsredeeming specific transaction cards, (p) time and date of redemption ofspecific transaction cards, and (q) any combination thereof. Theinformation requested is not limited to the enumerated list but mayinclude other items in addition to the items enumerated or in place ofthe items enumerated above. Such requested data may be used for datamining, tracking, analysis, etc.

After the requested data unit 154 processes a data request, therequested data unit 154 identifies where the requested information islocated, i.e., in the processing computer 150, in the datastore 180, inthe transaction log 170, in the error log 175 or any combinationthereof. The requested data unit 154 retrieves the requested informationand forwards the retrieved requested information to the entity thatrequested it, i.e., the card issuers' authorization systems 160, thepoint of sale terminal 101, other entities 190 granted access to theprocessing computer 150 or any combination thereof, as a report that maybe printed or viewed electronically or in any other form suitable to thepurposes of the invention.

The reconciliation unit 155 reconciles the accounts of varioustransaction card package assembly issuers, transaction card packageassembly vendors, and/or transaction card package assembly redeemingmerchants to credit and debit appropriate merchants, vendors, issuersand the processing system administrator with the value of varioustransactions to reflect which entities received value from which otherentities. For example, if a vendor A sells a transaction card packageassembly issued by transaction card package assembly issuer B for aspecified amount and receives payment from a customer, then an accountassociated with the transaction card package assembly is credited withthe payment amount, the vendor A receives a percentage (e.g., retains apercentage) of the purchase amount and/or a predetermined amount, theprocessing system administrator receives a percentage of the purchaseamount and/or predetermined amount, and card issuer B receives theremainder. As another example, if a transaction card package assemblyissued by transaction card package assembly issuer C is redeemed atmerchant D to purchase items, then the amount redeemed is debited toissuer C and credited to merchant D, sometimes minus a transaction feecollected by issuer C and/or a transaction fee collected by processingsystem administrator.

Authorization unit 157 is utilized when the processing computer 150 isalso the authorizing system such that the processing computer 150authorizes correlation, activation, deactivation, and redemptionrequests rather than transmitting the request to the card issuers'authorization systems 160 for authorization. When the authorization unit157 is utilized, the processing computer 150 may transmit details oftransactions, rather than authorization requests, to the card issuers'authorization systems 160.

In some embodiments, the transaction card issuer, the authorizationsystem, and the processing computer are part of the same entity. In suchan embodiment, there would be no card issuers' authorization systems 160or the card issuers' authorization systems 160 would be under commoncontrol with the other units of the processing computer 150 (forexample, a commonly owned and operated computing system that may becentralized (e.g., part of a centralized data center) and/or distributedwithin a commonly owned or controlled system or network). Furthermore,it should be noted that although units associated with the processingcomputer 150 (e.g., units 152-157) are depicted as various units withina single data processing system for illustration and conceptualpurposes, one or more of units 152-157 could be implemented on separatecomputers, systems, or servers in a distributed data processingenvironment.

An exemplary method utilized by a processing computer 150 forcorrelating a transaction card package assembly or an individualtransaction card with a sample in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention is depicted in FIG. 11. To begin, in block 1000, theprocessing computer 150 receives a correlation transaction request froma point of sale terminal, transaction card package assembly issuer'sauthorization system and/or another entity granted access to theprocessing computer 150. Using the sample correlation unit, in block1002, the processing computer 150 identifies the correlation transactionrequest as either a correlation instruction or a correlation request.

If the correlation transaction is identified as a correlationinstruction, then in block 1004, the processing computer 150 processesthe information contained in the instruction. The correlationinstruction comprises one or more of the following: (a) one or moretransaction card package assembly identifications, (b) one or moreindividual transaction card identifications, (c) one or more sampleidentifications, (d) authorization for one or more sample identifiers tobe correlated with one or more transaction card package assemblyidentifiers or one or more individual transaction card identifiers, (e)the date a given correlation becomes eligible, (f) the date a givencorrelation becomes ineligible, (g) identification of one or more vendorlocations wherein a correlation is eligible, (h) identification of thetransaction card issuer, (i) identification of the sample issuer, and(j) any combination thereof. The correlation instruction may compriseother information in addition to or in place of the above enumerateditems. The correlation instruction may instruct the processing computer150 to authorize correlation between a transaction card package assemblyand a sample; alternatively, between an individual transaction card anda sample; alternatively, between a transaction card package assembly andany one of multiple samples; alternatively, between an individualtransaction card and any one of multiple samples; alternatively, betweena transaction card package assembly and multiple samples; alternatively,between an individual transaction card and multiple samples;alternatively, between multiple transaction card package assemblies anda sample; alternatively, between multiple transaction card packageassemblies and any one of multiple samples; alternatively, betweenmultiple transaction card package assemblies and multiple samples;alternatively, between any combination thereof. Furthermore, thecorrelation instruction may instruct the processing computer 150 thatone or more previously authorized correlations between transaction cardpackage assemblies or individual transaction cards and samples are nowineligible. The correlation instruction may also include conditions forcorrelation eligibility. For example, the eligibility may have anexpiration that is different from any expiration dates associated withthe transaction card package assembly. Furthermore, the correlationinstruction may specify specific vendors and/or locations wherein atransaction card package assembly or individual transaction card and asample may be eligible for correlation which may be different from thecomprehensive list of vendors and/or locations wherein the transactioncard package assembly is offered for sale.

Upon processing the information, in block 1006, the processing computerupdates the appropriate one or more transaction card package assemblyaccounts, one or more individual transaction card accounts, and one ormore sample accounts in the datastore 180 to reflect the correlationinstruction received. At block 1008, the processing computer sends aconfirmation message to the entity which sent the correlationinstruction (i.e., the card issuers' authorization systems or anotherentity granted access to the processing computer) confirming receipt ofthe instruction. The method proceeds to block 1015 as described in moredetail below.

If the processing computer 150 identifies the correlation transactionrequest as a correlation request, then in block 1005, the processingcomputer 150 compares the information contained in the correlationrequest to information stored in the datastore 180. The correlationrequest presents a transaction card package assembly or individualtransaction card and a sample to be correlated together and comprisesone or more of the following pieces of information: (a) transaction cardpackage assembly identification, (b) individual transaction cardidentification, (c) sample identification, (d) point of sale terminalidentification, (e) the time of the correlation request, (f) the date ofthe correlation request, (g) identification of the card issuer for thetransaction card package assembly, (h) identification of the sampleissuer (i) identification of the correlating vendor, (j) location ofcorrelating vendor, and (k) any combination thereof. The correlationrequest may comprise other information in addition to or in place of theabove enumerated items. In block 1005, the processing computer uses thecomparison between the information received in the correlation requestand the data in the datastore 180 to determine if the transaction cardpackage assembly or individual transaction card and the sample presentedin the correlation request are eligible for correlation.

If the transaction card package assembly or individual transaction cardand the sample are not eligible for correlation, then in block 1007, theprocessing computer 150 transmits a correlation denied message to therequesting entity (i.e., a point of sale terminal, a card issuer'sauthorization system, or another entity granted access to the processingcomputer). The method proceeds to block 1015 as described in more detailbelow.

If the transaction card package assembly or individual transaction cardand the sample are eligible for correlation, then in block 1009, theprocessing computer 150 correlates the sample identifier with thetransaction card package assembly or individual transaction cardidentifier. At block 1011, the processing computer 150 updates thecorresponding transaction card package assembly or individualtransaction card account in the datastore 180 to reflect correlationwith the sample, and, in block 1013, the processing computer 150transmits a correlation completed message to the requesting entity(i.e., a point of sale terminal, a card issuer's authorization system,or another entity granted access to the processing computer).

The processing computer 150, in block 1015, may then record the detailsof the correlation transaction in a transaction log 170. The details ofthe transaction log may include: (a) the time and date of thecorrelation transaction, (b) whether new correlation instruction wasreceived, (c) any newly authorized correlations, (d) any previouslyauthorized correlations now ineligible, (e) conditions associated withcorrelations, (f) whether a correlation request was received, (g)identification of the transaction card package assembly or individualtransaction card and the sample to be correlated, (h) whether thetransaction card package assembly or individual transaction card and thesample were correlated, (i) the identity of the card issuer, (j) theidentity of the sample issuer, (k) the identity of the requestingentity, (l) the location of the requesting entity, and (m) anycombination thereof. The transaction log may include other informationin addition to or in place of the items enumerated above.

An exemplary process utilized by a processing computer 150 foractivating, redeeming or deactivating a transaction card packageassembly in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention isdepicted in FIG. 12. To begin, in block 2000, the processing computer150 receives a transaction request from a point of sale terminal. Thetransaction request comprises one or more of the following: (a) identityof the terminal, (b) identity of the transaction card package assembly,(c) a request for activation of the transaction card package assembly,(d) a request for redemption of a transaction card coupled to/heldwithin the transaction card package assembly, (e) an amount of the cardactivation, (f) an amount of the card redemption, (g) the identity ofthe transaction card issuer, (h) the identity of the activating vendor,(i) the identity of the requesting location, (j) the time of thetransaction request, (k) the date of the transaction request, and (l)any combination thereof. The transaction request may comprise otherinformation in addition to or in place of the above enumerated items.After receiving the transaction request, in block 2002, the processingcomputer 150 uses the information comprised in the transaction requestto identify the transaction card package assembly account and anycorrelated sample account(s) stored in the datastore 180. In block 2004,the processing computer 150 forwards the transaction request as receivedfrom the point of sale terminal 111 to the appropriate one of the cardissuers' authorization systems 160. In the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 12, the processing computer identifies the transaction card packageassembly account and any correlated sample account(s) whilesimultaneously forwarding the request to the card issuers' authorizationsystems. In an alternative embodiment, the processing computer firstidentifies the transaction card package assembly account and anycorrelated sample accounts and subsequently forwards the request to thecard issuers' authorization systems. In another embodiment, theprocessing computer first forwards the request to the card issuers'authorization systems and subsequently identifies the transaction cardpackage assembly account and any correlated sample account(s).

The processing computer 150 receives the response message from theappropriate one of the card issuers' authorization systems 160 in block2006. At block 2008, the processing computer updates the transactioncard package assembly account in the datastore to reflect theconcomitant changes in the status of the transaction card packageassembly and/or the transaction card coupled to/held within thetransaction card package assembly. Additionally, the transaction cardpackage assembly account and any correlated sample account(s) may beupdated to reflect any conditions associated with the transaction. Atransaction log 170 may also be updated by the processing computer 150in block 2010. The account information to be stored in the datastore 180as well as the details of the transaction recorded in the transactionlog 170 may include: (a) the time and date of the transaction, (b)whether the transaction card package assembly was activated, (c) thereason the transaction card package assembly was not activated if theactivation request was denied, (d) the amount credited to thetransaction card package assembly account when activated, (e) conditionsassociated with redeeming the at least one transaction card coupledto/held within the transaction card package assembly, (f) theidentification of any correlated sample(s), (g) the identity of theactivating vendor, (h) the identity of the card issuer, (i) the identityof any sample issuers if the transaction card package assembly iscorrelated to a sample, (j) the location of the activating vendor, (k)the identity of the terminal activating the transaction card packageassembly, (l) the requested redemption amount, (m) the reason thetransaction card was not redeemed if the transaction request was denied,(n) the amount debited from the transaction card package assemblyaccount when redeemed, (o) the identity of the redeeming merchantvendor, (p) the location of the redeeming merchant, (q) the identity ofthe terminal redeeming the transaction card, and (r) any combinationthereof. The transaction log may include other information in additionto or in place of the items enumerated above.

The processing computer 150, in block 2012, then forwards the responsemessage to the point of sale terminal 111. The processing computer 150,prior to forwarding the response message to the point of sale unit 111,may modify the response message as necessary to include information thatmay be printed on a receipt for the customer and/or presented on adisplay to the store clerk operating the point of sale unit 111. Atblock 2014, the processing computer 150 reconciles the accounts of thevarious vendors, merchants, card issuers, the processing systemadministrator, and other entities involved with issuing, selling,redeeming, and marketing the transaction card package assembly to debitand credit appropriate accounts and, in some embodiments, initiate fundstransfers between appropriate bank accounts belonging to the variousentities. Alternatively, reconciliation of accounts may be performedperiodically (e.g., daily, weekly, monthly, etc.) rather than after eachtransaction. In such an embodiment, the information from the transactionlog 170 may be utilized to reconcile the various entities involved withthe sale or redemption of various transaction card package assembliesthus requiring fewer funds transfers to be initiated.

In various embodiments, the sequence of events depicted in blocks 2008,2010, 2012, and 2014 may be varied, and thus may be carried out in anydesired order, sequentially or simultaneously. Moreover, the requestedtransaction may involve multiple transaction cards. In such a scenario,the transaction process proceeds as described above, however thetransaction request will comprise multiple sets of transactioninformation for each of the multiple transaction cards comprising theinstant transaction request. Further, in the multiple transaction cardscenario, any activation amount or redemption amount may be allocatedacross the multiple transaction cards equally or disproportionately asdesired by any of the card transaction interested parties and/or cardpurchasers/redeemers.

The transaction card package assembly and transaction card packageassembly system of the instant disclosure also provide manufacturers,vendors, issuers, and other transaction processing entities a means tomonitor, track, compare and/or analyze the effects of providing a samplewith the purchase of a transaction card. Sales of the instantlydescribed transaction card package assemblies comprising at least onesample may be compared, contrasted, and/or otherwise analyzed to salesof similar transaction card package assemblies comprising a differing atleast one sample and/or to sales of similar transaction card packageassemblies not comprising at least one sample. Likewise, the sale and/oruse of a product may be tracked by comparing, contrasting and/orotherwise analyzing the sale and/or use of the product during a timeperiod wherein transaction card package assemblies comprising a sampleassociated to the product are offered for sale versus the sale and/oruse of the product during a time period wherein transaction card packageassemblies comprising a sample associated to the product are not offeredfor sale. Such comparison, contrast, and/or other analysis may beutilized by manufacturers, vendors, issuers, and other transactionprocessing entities to review, predict, schedule, promote, and/orotherwise determine the efficacy of the inclusion of at least one sampleon the sale of transaction cards, the sale of transaction card packageassemblies, and/or the sale and/or use of a product associated with theincluded at least one sample. The monitoring, tracking, comparing,and/or analyzing the effects of providing at least one sample with thepurchase of a transaction card may be performed concerning any of theinstantly described transaction card package assemblies, transactioncards, samples, or combinations thereof.

As discussed above, manufacturers, vendors, issuers and/or othertransaction card processing entities may wish to analyze data relatingto transaction card package assemblies, transaction cards, samplesand/or any combination thereof. In an embodiment of the disclosedtransaction card package assembly processing system, such data may berecorded during correlation and/or other transaction requests and storedin a processing computer, a datastore, a transaction log, an error logor any combination thereof. To access the data, manufacturers, vendors,issuers and/or other transaction card processing entities may requestthe data from the processing computer.

An exemplary method utilized by a processing computer for providing datato a requesting entity in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention is depicted in FIG. 13. To begin, in block 3000, theprocessing computer 150 receives a data request from a point of saleterminal, a card issuer's authorization system, a processing computeradministrator and/or another entity granted access to the processingcomputer 150. The data request may request one or more of the following:(a) identification of samples correlated to specific transaction cardpackage assemblies, (b) identification of entity requesting correlationof specific samples to specific transaction card package assemblies, (c)location of entity requesting correlation of specific samples tospecific transaction card package assemblies, (d) time and date ofcorrelation request for specific samples to specific transaction cardpackage assemblies, (e) activation of specific transaction card packageassemblies with correlated samples, (f) activation of specifictransaction card package assemblies without correlated samples, (g)identification of vendors activating specific transaction card packageassemblies, (h) location of vendors activating specific transaction cardpackage assemblies, (i) time and date of activation of specifictransaction card package assemblies, (j) redemption of specifictransaction cards, (k) redemption of transaction cards from specifictransaction card package assemblies with correlated samples, (l)redemption of transaction cards from specific transaction card packageassemblies without correlated samples, (m) identification of vendorsredeeming specific transaction cards, (n) location of vendors redeemingspecific transaction cards, (o) time and date of redemption of specifictransaction cards, and (p) any combination thereof. The informationrequested is not limited to the enumerated list but may include otheritems in addition to the items enumerated or in place of the itemsenumerated above.

In block 3002, the processing computer 150 processes the request andidentifies where the requested data is located, e.g., in the datastore180, the transaction log 170, the error log 175, any other unit of theprocessing computer 150 and/or any combination thereof. In block 3004,the processing computer 150 retrieves the data from the one or morelocations in which it is stored, and, in block 3006, the processingcomputer 150 forwards the data as a message to the requesting entity. Inan embodiment, the forwarded message comprising the data may be receivedand viewed in a digital format. Alternatively, the forwarded messagecomprising the data may be received and viewed as a print-off (e.g.,printed on paper).

The disclosed transaction card package assemblies including sampleproducts and computer implemented methods and systems relating totransaction card package assemblies including sample products may befurther described by the following enumerated embodiments:

-   -   1. A transaction card package assembly comprising:        -   a transaction card;        -   a sample; and        -   a card holder.    -   2. The package assembly of 1 wherein the sample product is        consumable.    -   3. The package assembly of 2 wherein the sample product is        instant coffee.    -   4. The package assembly of 1 wherein the sample product        comprises at least one of a crayon, a measuring tape, a small        tool, cosmetic product, and candy.    -   5. The package assembly of 1 wherein the card holder comprises a        panel and an opening.    -   6. The package assembly of 5 wherein the transaction card and        sample are releasably attached to the cardholder.    -   7. The package assembly of 6 wherein the sample or another        sample may be attached or reattached to the card holder.    -   8. The package assembly of 1 wherein the card holder is in the        style of an envelope or pocket.    -   9. The package assembly of 8 wherein the transaction card and        sample are enclosed within the card holder.    -   10. The package assembly of 1 wherein the card holder comprises        a panel and an outer layer for retaining the transaction card        and sample without the transaction card or sample being attached        to the cardholder.    -   11. The package assembly of 9 wherein the outer layer is a        transparent plastic layer or film.    -   12. The package assembly of 1 wherein the transaction card is        packaged so that it can be activated in a one-step activation        process.    -   13 The package assembly of 1 wherein the transaction card is        packaged so that it can be activated in a two-step activation        process    -   14. The package assembly of 1 wherein the package assembly        comprises one or more encoded identifiers.    -   15. The package assembly of 14 wherein the one or more encoded        identifiers are located on the transaction card, on the        cardholder or both.    -   16. The package assembly of 14 wherein the encoded identifiers        are one or more of a vendor product identification code, an        issuer accounts code, a combination vendor product        identification and issuer account code, or any combination        thereof.    -   17. The package assembly of 1 wherein the sample comprises one        or more encoded identifiers.    -   18. A transaction card package assembly comprising:        -   multiple transaction cards;        -   a sample product; and        -   a card holder.    -   19. The package assembly of 18 wherein the sample product is        consumable.    -   20. The package assembly of 19 wherein the sample product is        instant coffee.    -   21. The package assembly of 18 wherein the sample product        comprises at least one of a crayon, a measuring tape, a small        tool, cosmetic product, and candy.    -   22. The package assembly of 18 wherein the card holder comprises        a panel and an opening.    -   23. The package assembly of 22 wherein the transaction cards and        sample are releasably attached to the cardholder.    -   24. The package assembly of 23 wherein the sample or another        sample may be attached or reattached to the card holder.    -   25. The package assembly of 18 wherein the card holder is in the        style of an envelope or pocket.    -   26. The package assembly of 25 wherein the transaction cards and        sample are enclosed within the card holder.    -   27. The package assembly of 18 wherein the card holder comprises        a panel and an outer layer for retaining the transaction cards        and sample without the transaction cards or sample being        attached to the cardholder.    -   28. The package assembly of 27 wherein the outer layer is a        transparent plastic layer or film.    -   29. The package assembly of 18 wherein the transaction cards are        packaged so that they can be activated in a one-step activation        process.    -   30. The package assembly of 18 wherein the transaction cards are        packaged so that they can be activated in a two-step activation        process    -   31. The package assembly of 18 wherein the package assembly        comprises one or more encoded identifiers.    -   32. The package assembly of 31 wherein the one or more encoded        identifiers are located on the transaction cards, on the        cardholder or both.    -   33. The package assembly of 31 wherein the encoded identifiers        are one or more of a vendor product identification code, an        issuer accounts code, a combination vendor product        identification and issuer account code, or any combination        thereof.    -   34. The package assembly of 18 wherein the sample comprises one        or more encoded identifiers.    -   35. A method for providing a sample product with a purchase of a        transaction card comprising:        -   providing a transaction card package assembly having a            releasably attached first sample product;        -   removing the releasably attached first sample product from            the transaction card package assembly; and        -   replacing the releasably attached first sample product with            a releasably attached second sample product.    -   36. The method of 35 wherein the transaction card package        assembly comprises a card holder and one or more transaction        cards.    -   37. The method of 36 wherein the transaction card package        assembly and the second sample product each comprise one or more        encoded identifiers.    -   38. The method of 37 wherein at least one of the one or more        encoded identifiers comprised by the transaction card package        assembly is an issuer account code.    -   39. The method of 37 wherein at least one of the one or more        encoded identifiers comprised by the transaction card package        assembly is a combination vendor product identification and        issuer account code.    -   40. The method of 37 further comprising sending a correlation        request to a transaction card package assembly processing        computer.    -   41. The method of 40 wherein the correlation request comprises        at least one of identification of the transaction card package        assembly, identification of the second sample product,        identification of the point of sale terminal, location of the        point of sale terminal, time of the correlation request, date of        the correlation request, identification of the transaction card        package assembly issuer, identification of the sample issuer or        any combination thereof.    -   42. A transaction card package assembly processing system        comprising:        -   a datastore maintaining account information for a plurality            of transaction card package assemblies, a plurality of            samples, and any correlations between the two;        -   a point of sale terminal interface for receiving and            transmitting a message and response with a point of sale            terminal;        -   a sample correlation unit to process and record correlation            instruction, to determine whether a transaction card package            assembly and sample are eligible for correlation, and to            correlate one or more sample identifications with one or            more transaction card package assembly identifications;        -   a data request unit for processing data requests received            from and transmitting data request responses to a            transaction card package assembly interested party;        -   a card issuer authorization system interface for receiving            and transmitting a message and response with a card issuer            authorization system;        -   a sample issuer system interface for receiving and            transmitting a message and response with a sample issuer            system; and        -   a merchant system interface for receiving and transmitting a            message and response with a merchant system.    -   43. The transaction card package assembly processing system of        42 wherein the message comprises an activation request.    -   44. The transaction card package assembly processing system of        42 wherein the message comprises a correlation request.    -   45. The transaction card package assembly processing system of        42 wherein the message comprises correlation instruction.    -   46. The transaction card package assembly processing system of        42 wherein the message comprises a data request.    -   47. The transaction card package assembly processing system of        42 wherein the message comprises a redemption request    -   48. The transaction card package assembly processing system of        42 wherein the transaction card package assembly interested        party comprises one of a transaction card package assembly        vendor, a transaction card package assembly merchant, a        transaction card package assembly issuer, or a transaction card        package assembly processing system administrator.    -   49. The transaction card package assembly processing system of        42 further comprising a transaction log for recording        transaction data.    -   50. The computer implemented method of 42 further comprising        recording transaction data in an error log if the transaction is        denied.    -   51. The transaction card package assembly processing system of        42 further comprising a reconciliation unit for reconciling        accounts of transaction card package assembly interested        parties.    -   52. The transaction card package assembly processing system of        51 wherein the transaction card package assembly interested        parties comprise transaction card package assembly vendors,        transaction card package assembly merchants, transaction card        package assembly issuers, a transaction card package assembly        processing system administrator and combinations thereof.    -   53. The transaction card package assembly processing system of        42 further comprising a unit for allocating, when present, an        activation amount or a redemption amount.    -   54. A computer implemented method for conducting a transaction        card package assembly transaction comprising:        -   receiving in a transaction card package assembly processing            computer correlation instruction from a transaction card            package assembly interested party for at least one            transaction card package assembly and at least one sample,            wherein the correlation instruction comprises at least one            transaction card package assembly identification and at            least one sample identification;        -   identifying accounts in a datastore associated with the at            least one transaction card package assembly identification            and the at least one sample identification; and        -   updating the associated accounts in the datastore to reflect            the correlation instruction.    -   55. The computer implemented method of 54 wherein the        transaction card package assembly interested party comprises one        of a transaction card package assembly issuer or a sample        issuer.    -   56. The computer implemented method of 54 wherein the        transaction card package assembly comprises one or more        transaction cards, a card holder, and one or more samples.    -   57. The computer implemented method of 54 wherein the        correlation instruction further comprises at least one of an        authorization for the at least one sample to be correlated with        the at least one transaction card package assembly, a date the        correlation becomes eligible, a date the correlation becomes        ineligible, identification of one or more vendor locations        wherein the correlation is eligible, and any combination        thereof.    -   58. A computer implemented method for conducting a transaction        card package assembly transaction comprising:        -   receiving in a transaction card package assembly processing            computer correlation instruction from a transaction card            package assembly interested party for at least one            transaction card package assembly and at least one sample,            wherein the correlation instruction comprises at least one            individual transaction card identification and at least one            sample identification;        -   identifying accounts in a datastore associated with the at            least one transaction card identification and the at least            one sample identification; and        -   updating the associated accounts in the datastore to reflect            the correlation instruction.    -   59. The computer implemented method of 58 wherein the        transaction card package assembly interested party comprises one        of a transaction card package assembly issuer or a sample        issuer.    -   60. The computer implemented method of 58 wherein the at least        one individual transaction card is comprised by a transaction        card package assembly.    -   61. The computer implemented method of 60 wherein the        transaction card package assembly comprises one or more        transaction cards, a card holder, and one or more samples.    -   62. The computer implemented method of 58 wherein the        correlation instruction further comprises at least one of an        authorization for the at least one sample to be correlated with        the at least one individual transaction card, a date the        correlation becomes eligible, a date the correlation becomes        ineligible, identification of one or more vendor locations        wherein the correlation is eligible, and any combination        thereof.    -   63. A computer implemented method for conducting a transaction        card package assembly transaction comprising:        -   receiving in a transaction card processing computer a            correlation request from a transaction card package assembly            interested party for a transaction card package assembly and            a sample, wherein the correlation request comprises a            transaction card package assembly identification and a            sample identification;        -   comparing the transaction card package assembly            identification and the sample identification to stored data            in a datastore to determine if the transaction card package            assembly and the sample are eligible for correlation;            correlating the sample identification with the transaction            card package assembly identification when the transaction            card package assembly and the sample are found eligible for            correlation;        -   updating the transaction card package assembly account and            the sample account in the datastore to reflect correlation;            and        -   transmitting a correlation completion message to the            transaction card package assembly interested party.    -   64. The computer implemented method of 63 wherein the        correlation request further comprises at least one of time of        the correlation request, date of the correlation request,        identification of the transaction card package assembly issuer        and identification of the sample issuer.    -   65. The computer implemented method of 63 wherein the        correlation request is received from a point of sale terminal.    -   66. The computer implemented method of 65 wherein the        correlation request further comprises at least one of        identification of the point of sale terminal, location of the        point of sale terminal, time of the correlation request, date of        the correlation request, identification of the transaction card        package assembly issuer, and identification of the sample        issuer.    -   67. The computer implemented method of 63 wherein the        correlation request is received from a transaction card package        assembly interested party system.    -   68. The computer implemented method of 67 wherein the        correlation request further comprises at least one of        identification of the transaction card package assembly        interested party system, location of the transaction card        package assembly interested party system, time of the        correlation request, date of the correlation request,        identification of the transaction card package assembly issuer        and identification of the sample issuer.    -   69. The computer implemented method of 63 wherein the        transaction card package assembly interested party comprises one        of a transaction card package assembly issuer, a sample issuer,        or a transaction card package assembly vendor.    -   70. A computer implemented method for conducting a transaction        card package assembly transaction comprising:        -   receiving in a transaction card processing computer a            correlation request from a transaction card package assembly            interested party for a transaction card package assembly and            a sample, wherein the correlation request comprises an            individual transaction card identification and a sample            identification;        -   comparing the transaction card identification and the sample            identification to stored data in a datastore to determine if            the transaction card and the sample are eligible for            correlation;    -   correlating the sample identification with the transaction card        identification when the transaction card and the sample are        found eligible for correlation;        -   updating the transaction card account and the sample account            in the datastore to reflect correlation; and        -   transmitting a correlation completion message to the            transaction card package assembly interested party.    -   71. The computer implemented method of 70 wherein the individual        transaction card is comprised by a transaction card package        assembly.    -   72. The computer implemented method of 70 wherein the        correlation request further comprises at least one of time of        the correlation request, date of the correlation request,        identification of the transaction card package assembly issuer        and identification of the sample issuer.    -   73. The computer implemented method of 70 wherein the        correlation request is received from a point of sale terminal.    -   74. The computer implemented method of 73 wherein the        correlation request further comprises at least one of        identification of the point of sale terminal, location of the        point of sale terminal, time of the correlation request, date of        the correlation request, identification of the transaction card        package assembly issuer, and identification of the sample        issuer.    -   75. The computer implemented method of 70 wherein the        correlation request is received from a transaction card package        assembly interested party system.    -   76. The computer implemented method of 75 wherein the        correlation request further comprises at least one of        identification of the transaction card package assembly        interested party system, location of the transaction card        package assembly interested party system, time of the        correlation request, date of the correlation request,        identification of the transaction card package assembly issuer        and identification of the sample issuer.    -   77. The computer implemented method of 70 wherein the        transaction card package assembly interested party comprises one        of a transaction card package assembly issuer, a sample issuer,        or a transaction card package assembly vendor.    -   78. A computer implemented method for conducting a transaction        card package assembly transaction comprising:        -   receiving in a transaction card package assembly processing            computer a transaction request for a transaction card            package assembly from a point of sale terminal, wherein the            transaction request comprises at least one of a transaction            card package assembly identification, a point of sale            terminal identification, a vendor identification, a merchant            identification, and a transaction card package assembly            issuer identification;    -   transmitting the transaction request to a transaction card        package assembly issuer authorization system; receiving a        response from the transaction card package assembly issuer        authorization system;        -   transmitting the response to the point of sale terminal; and        -   updating the datastore to reflect a completed transaction of            the transaction card package assembly.    -   79. The computer implemented method of 78 wherein the        transaction request comprises a correlation request.    -   80. The computer implemented method of 78 wherein the        transaction request comprises an activation request.    -   87. The computer implemented method of 78 wherein the        transaction request comprises a redemption request.    -   82. The computer implemented method of 78 wherein the        transaction request comprises a deactivation request    -   83. The computer implemented method of 78 wherein the        transaction card package assembly comprises one transaction        card, a card holder and at least one sample.    -   84. The computer implemented method of 78 wherein the        transaction card package assembly comprises multiple transaction        cards, a card holder and at least one sample.    -   85. The computer implemented method of 78 further comprising        recording transaction data in a transaction log.    -   86. The computer implemented method of 78 further comprising        recording transaction data in an error log if the transaction is        denied.    -   87. The computer implemented method of 78 further comprising        reconciling accounts of transaction card package assembly        interested parties.    -   88. The computer implemented method of 87 wherein the        transaction card package assembly interested parties comprise        transaction card package assembly vendors, transaction card        package assembly merchants, transaction card package assembly        issuers, a transaction card package assembly processing system        administrator and combinations thereof.    -   89. A method for determining the efficacy of inclusion of a        sample product with a sale of a transaction card comprising:    -   providing a first transaction card package assembly, wherein the        first transaction card package assembly comprises at least one        transaction card and at least one sample;    -   providing a second transaction card package assembly, wherein        the second transaction card package assembly comprises at least        one transaction card and does not comprise the at least one        sample of the first transaction card package assembly;    -   comparing sales of the first transaction card package assembly        to sales of the second transaction card package assembly.    -   90. A method for determining the efficacy of inclusion of a        sample with a sale of a transaction card comprising:        -   tracking the sale of a commercially available product and/or            service for a predetermined span of time, wherein a            transaction card package assembly comprising a sample            associated with the commercially available product and/or            service is not available for purchase;        -   tracking the sale of the commercially available product            and/or service for a second subsequent predetermined span of            time, wherein a transaction card package assembly comprising            a sample associated with the commercially available product            and/or service is available for purchase;        -   comparing sales of the commercially available product and/or            service during the first predetermined span of time and            sales of the commercially available product and/or service            during the second predetermined span of time.    -   91. The method of 90 wherein the second predetermined span of        time is equal to the first predetermined span of time.    -   92. A computer implemented method for providing transaction card        package assembly transaction data comprising:        -   receiving in a transaction card package assembly processing            computer a data request from a transaction card package            assembly interested party, wherein the data request            comprises a request for data stored in the transaction card            package assembly processing computer;        -   identifying the data requested in the data request;        -   retrieving the data requested;        -   forwarding the data requested as a message to the            transaction card package assembly interested party.    -   93. The computer implemented method of 92 wherein the        transaction card package assembly interested party comprises one        of a transaction card package assembly issuer, a sample issuer,        a transaction card package assembly vendor, a transaction card        package assembly merchant or a transaction card package assembly        processing computer administrator.    -   94. The computer implemented method of 92 wherein the data        requested comprises at least one of identification of samples        correlated to specific transaction card package assemblies,        identification of entity requesting correlation of specific        samples to specific transaction card package assemblies,        location of entity requesting correlation of specific sample to        specific transaction card package assemblies, time and date of        correlation request for specific samples to specific transaction        card package assemblies, activation of specific transaction card        package assemblies with correlated samples, activation of        specific transaction card package assemblies without correlated        samples, identification of vendors activating specific        transaction card package assemblies, location of vendors        activating specific transaction card package assemblies, time        and date of activation of specific transaction card package        assemblies, redemption of specific transaction cards, redemption        of transaction cards from specific transaction card package        assemblies with correlated samples, redemption of transaction        cards from specific transaction card package assemblies without        correlated samples, identification of vendors redeeming specific        transaction cards, location of vendors redeeming specific        transaction cards, time and date of redemption of specific        transaction cards, or any combination thereof.

While preferred embodiments of the invention have been shown anddescribed herein, modifications thereof can be made by one skilled inthe art without departing from the spirit and teachings of theinvention. The embodiments described herein are exemplary only, and arenot intended to be limiting. Many variations and modifications of theinvention disclosed herein are possible and are within the scope of theinvention. Where numerical ranges or limitations are expressly stated,such express ranges or limitations should be understood to includeiterative ranges or limitations of like magnitude falling within theexpressly stated ranges or limitations (e.g., from about 1 to about 10includes, 2, 3, 4, etc.; greater than 0.10 includes 0.11, 0.12, 0.13,etc.). Use of the term “optionally” with respect to any element of aclaim is intended to mean that the subject element is required, oralternatively, is not required. Both alternatives are intended to bewithin the scope of the claim. Use of broader terms such as comprises,includes, having, etc. should be understood to provide support fornarrower terms such as consisting of, consisting essentially of,comprised substantially of, etc.

Package assembly embodiments as described herein may be manufacturedaccording to various methods known in the art. For example, transactioncards can be manufactured and printed and subsequently placed in aprinted card holder, or alternatively the transaction card and cardholder can be made concurrently, for example via coextrusion of aplastic sheet with subsequent printing. Alternative methods of makingthe various embodiments disclosed herein will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art.

The ordering of steps in the various processes, data flows, andflowcharts presented are for illustration purposes and do notnecessarily reflect the order that various steps must be performed. Thesteps may be rearranged in different orders in different embodiments toreflect the needs, desires and preferences of the entity implementingthe systems. Furthermore, many steps may be performed simultaneouslywith other steps in some embodiments.

Also, techniques, systems, subsystems and methods described andillustrated in the various embodiments as discrete or separate may becombined or integrated with other systems, modules, techniques, ormethods without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.Other items shown or discussed as directly coupled or communicating witheach other may be coupled through some interface or device, such thatthe items may no longer be considered directly coupled to each other butmay still be indirectly coupled and in communication, whetherelectrically, mechanically, or otherwise with one another. Otherexamples of changes, substitutions, and alterations are ascertainable byone skilled in the art and could be made without departing from thespirit and scope disclosed herein.

Accordingly, the scope of protection is not limited by the descriptionset out above but is only limited by the claims which follow, that scopeincluding all equivalents of the subject matter of the claims. Each andevery claim is incorporated into the specification as an embodiment ofthe present invention. Thus, the claims are a further description andare an addition to the preferred embodiments of the present invention.The discussion of a reference in the Description of Related Art is notan admission that it is prior art to the present invention, especiallyany reference that may have a publication date after the priority dateof this application. The disclosures of all patents, patentapplications, and publications cited herein are hereby incorporated byreference, to the extent that they provide exemplary, procedural orother details supplementary to those set forth herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A transaction card package assembly comprising:an encoded transaction card package assembly identifier, wherein theencoded transaction card package assembly identifier is associated witha transaction card package assembly account and wherein the encodedtransaction card package assembly identifier comprises a magneticstripe, a bar code, an RFID tag, or combinations thereof; a transactioncard having a transaction card identifier thereon; a removable andreattachable sample associated with an identifier and a sample account,wherein the identifier is encoded on a card holder, and readable by apoint of sale system, wherein said sample is at least one product or atleast one coupon for a product or service that is distributed at no costto a consumer, wherein the sample account comprises sample informationmaintained in a datastore, wherein the card holder, the sample, and thetransaction card are coupled together.
 2. The package assembly of claim1 wherein the card holder comprises a panel and an opening.
 3. Thepackage assembly of claim 2 wherein the transaction card and sample arereleasably attached to the cardholder.
 4. The package assembly of claim3 wherein another sample may be attached or reattached to the cardholder.
 5. The package assembly of claim 1 wherein the card holdercomprises a panel and an outer layer for retaining the transaction cardand sample without the transaction card or sample being attached to thecardholder.
 6. The package assembly of claim 1 further comprisingmultiple transaction cards.
 7. The package assembly of claim 1 furthercomprising multiple samples.
 8. The package assembly of claim 1 whereinthe encoded transaction card package assembly identifier and the encodedsample identifier are correlated via a point of sale terminal, via atransaction card issuer's system, via a sample issuer's system, or via atransaction card processing system.
 9. The package assembly of claim 1further comprising: a panel releasably attached to the card holder or tothe transaction card, wherein the panel comprises a magnetic stripe. 10.The package assembly of claim 1 wherein the sample and the transactioncard package assembly are correlated via a point of sale terminal, via atransaction card issuer's system, via a sample issuer's system, or via atransaction card processing system.
 11. The package assembly of claim 1wherein the encoded sample identifier is associated with a sampleaccount.
 12. The package assembly of claim 1 wherein the sample iscoupled with the transaction card.
 13. A transaction card packageassembly comprising: an encoded transaction card package assemblyidentifier, wherein the encoded transaction card package assemblyidentifier is associated with a transaction card package assemblyaccount and wherein the encoded transaction card package assemblyidentifier comprises a magnetic stripe a bar code, an RFID tag, orcombinations thereof; a plurality of transaction cards each having atransaction card identifier thereon; a plurality of removable andreattachable samples each associated with an identifier and a sampleaccount, wherein the identifier is encoded on a card holder and readableby a point of sale system, wherein each sample is at least one productor at least one coupon for a product or service that is distributed atno cost to a consumer, wherein the sample account comprises sampleinformation maintained in a datastore, wherein the sample identifier forone of the plurality of samples is correlated with the transaction cardidentifier for one of the plurality of transaction cards via enteringthe sample identifier of the one of the plurality of samples and thetransaction card identifier of the one of the plurality of transactioncards at a point of sale terminal; and a card holder, wherein the cardholder, the plurality of samples, and the plurality of transaction cardsare coupled together.
 14. The transaction card package assembly of claim1 further including a microchip.
 15. The transaction card packageassembly of claim 13 further including a microchip.